Program Overview

Managing Human Resource (HR) functions has evolved into a crucial aspect of an organization's management process, and HR professionals have become active strategic business partners. It is widely recognized that a well-functioning HR group significantly contributes to an organization's overall success.

The Human Resource Management (HRM) major focuses on the systems and programs that effectively manage an organization's employees. The overall objective of HRM practitioners is to help make an organization an employer of choice through compensation, benefits, career development, training, staffing, and other functions that affect employees.

An undergraduate degree in Human Resource Management will prepare you to pursue an exciting career as an HR professionals. The degree will also prepare you for further graduate study or a certification. Students may opt to pursue either a Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management offered by The University of Akron or a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification offered by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

Human Resources Management Coursework

Undergraduate degrees at The University of Akron require a student to complete 128 credits. Please note that some number of electives might be needed in addition to required courses to equal 128 credits. The following are the credits required for Human Resources Management majors:

Human Resource Management major coursework (30 credits) include the following:

Management Core (9 credits)

6500:302 Organizational Behavior and Leadership Skills

6500:310 Business Information Systems

6500:471 Management Project

Concentration Requirements (12 credits)

6500:341 Human Resource Management

6500:342 Employee and Labor Relations (Spring semester class)

6500:442 Compensation Management (Fall semester class)

6500:443 HR Selection and Staffing (Spring semester class)

Electives (9 credits)

6X00:3XX/4XX

6X00:3XX/4XX

6X00:3XX/4XX

Professional Experience

The HRM degree will prepare you for further graduate study or a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification offered by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Students also can gain practical, professional experience through the CBA’s paid and for-credit internship and cooperative education programs.

Course Availability

University general education requirements and CBA Core classes are offered each semester, including over the summer. Please note that the number of sections available is often less during the summer semester.

Courses for your major are offered both fall and spring, although every course is not offered every semester. Fall- and spring-only courses for HRM majors are:

Fall

6500:442 Compensation Management

Spring

6500:342 Employee and Labor Relations

6500:443 HR selection and Staffing

Management Department

Learn more about CBA Human Resources students, careers, organizations that have recently hired CBA graduates, and much more on the Management Department page.

Graduation Requirements

In addition to completing all required courses for their major a student must also maintain certain cumulative GPAs to graduate:

2.3 overall GPA in all courses

2.0 GPA in major courses

2.0 GPA in business and economics courses

Graduation Deadlines

Spring Graduation – Apply by December 1

Summer Graduation – Apply by April 1

Fall Graduation – Apply by July 1

Academic Resources

Resources are available to help you learn more about the school and major, determine class schedules, requirements, and progress toward you degree.

Graduation Planning Summary (GPS). The GPS is a document that lists course titles and additional, supplemental information for you as a Human Resources Management student. When you are admitted to the CBA, you will review the GPS with your adviser, and use it in conjunction with the Degree Auditing Report System (DARS) (see below). Download your Human Resource Management GPS.

Once you are admitted to The University of Akron, you’ll use the Degree Auditing Report System (DARS), which is an online tool you can use to view data regarding course requirements. DARS outlines your degree requirements, marks completed courses, and shows your remaining coursework.

Tutoring

Once you are a student, The University of Akron and the College of Business offer tutoring services for additional help in many subjects.

The University of Akron offers free online tutorials for students to learn to use a variety of software programs, like Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Project, Google Docs, and Springboard through Atomic Learning.

Student Organizations

Students are encouraged to participate in at least one of our many active, student-run organizations. Participating in an organization will enrich your college experience by providing opportunities to apply knowledge and skills gained in the classroom, and by opening doors to new friendships, networking, professional growth, and jobs. Our student organizations regularly excel in regional and national competitions. CBA management student organizations include: